The Enneagram has been my preferred method for self-study and spiritual growth during the past few years.
It's a psycho-spiritual personality assessment tool that shows the roadblocks that get in the way of experiencing wholeness with myself, others and God. The nine personality types help you understand hidden beliefs as well as habitual patterns that hold you back.
Type One/The Judge believes they're not accepted unless they're perfect. They think that they're not accepted for who they are. Type One feels angry about being criticized.
Type Two/The Provider believes that to be loved they must meet the needs of others. They give to get. The Provider feels pride in being indispensable.
Type Three/The Doer believes that doing is rewarded, being is not. They think that they have to accomplish a lot in order to be OK, thus deceiving themselves about real wants and needs.
Type Four/The Idealist fears being abandoned or being seen as ordinary. The Idealist thinks that there's something missing and feels envy and longing.
Type Five/The Sage believes that others demand too much from them in the areas of energy and knowledge. The Sage thinks that they must manage their energy and feels fear around being overwhelmed by others. The behavior looks like hoarding and holding onto resources.
Type Six/The Questioner believes that the world is a dangerous place and that they're not safe and secure. The Questioner's behavior reflects ambivalence about taking action and making decisions.
Type Seven/The Adventurer believes that limits and constrictions cause pain and is unaware that constancy has its rewards. Type Seven's behavior reflects staying busy doing fun and adventurous things.
Type Eight/The Defender believes that they must be powerful to protect their innocence. In their behavior, The Defender is excessively driven in order to avoid being controlled.
Type Nine/The Moderator believes they must blend in to have comfort and avoid conflict, thinking that they're invisible and unimportant. The Moderator's behavior reflects having trouble setting priorities for themselves, and they slow down when they feel pushed.
More information about the Enneagram is available at www.internationalenneagram.org and www.consciousdynamicsllc.com.
RON ESPOSITO is a certified Life Coach, Enneagram consultant and 12-Step Recovery Spirituality Coach at the Conscious Living Center in Mount Auburn. Email him at ron.esposito@gmail.com
